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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 36 reviews

This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender grilled chicken breast with al dente penne pasta in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. Enhanced with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this quick and comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne (cooked according to package directions)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1-2 whole lemons (juice, depending on desired lemon flavor; 1 lemon recommended)
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water and set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice from 1 to 2 lemons, depending on your taste preference, and whisk well to combine.
  3. Add Dairy and Cheese: Pour in the half and half along with the heavy whipping cream. Whisk continuously until the mixture is heated through. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Check the sauce’s thickness and gradually add reserved hot pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in half of the chopped fresh basil to infuse fresh herb flavor.
  5. Toss and Serve: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in a large bowl. Add the grilled and sliced chicken breasts, tossing gently to combine. Sprinkle the remaining fresh basil on top for garnish. Serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to make the sauce more or less tangy according to your preference.
  • Grilling the chicken beforehand adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear if preferred.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency without thinning it too much.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
  • Fresh basil really brightens the dish, but you can substitute with fresh parsley if needed.
  • Serve this pasta with garlic bread or a light green salad for a delightful meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-chicken-pasta-recipe/